GBARNGA, Bong County – The Movement for Democratic Alliance (MODA) has clarified that the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, is not a member of the organization. It also rejected claims that his support for a youth training initiative in Bong County signals a political alliance or an effort to form a political party.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
In a press statement issued Tuesday in Gbarnga, MODA said it had taken note of recent public discussions and media reports that sought to link the Minister to the Movement and to present his backing of a youth skills-development program as evidence of political collaboration.
“MODA considers it important to place the facts on record and to correct any misunderstanding surrounding the matter,” said Acting Chairman Lawrence N. Yallah, who signed the statement.
“Not a Political Party”
MODA first clarified its own status, stating that it is “not a political party” but a “political movement.” It then addressed Minister Nuetah’s relationship with the group directly.
According to the statement, Dr. Nuetah “is not a member of the Movement for Democratic Alliance, has never been a member of MODA, and has not communicated any intention to become a member of the Movement.”
The Movement said it therefore “rejects any representation suggesting that the Minister is a member, official, political leader, financier, or representative” of MODA.
Describing itself as a people-centered movement founded on democratic participation, integrity, unity, equity, inclusion, public service and sustainable development, MODA said it remains open to working with individuals, institutions, organizations and public officials when such engagement serves the legitimate interests of the Liberian people. However, it cautioned that cooperation on a specific development project should not be read as political membership, affiliation or endorsement.
Origin of the Excavator Training Slots
The statement traced the controversy to July 14, 2026, when Minister Nuetah made five excavator-training slots available for young people from Bong County. MODA said this followed an appeal from its Commander-in-Chief, Mr. Jomah B. Dolo, for more opportunities for the county’s youth.
The Movement described the slots as an initial contribution toward skills development.
The five slots reportedly drew 252 applicants, who then went through an independent vetting and selection process.
MODA stressed that the Minister did not personally select the five beneficiaries and did not set up any political recruitment process through the Movement.
According to the statement, Dr. Nuetah made the opportunity available, while the individual who received it, who is associated with MODA’s leadership, chose to place the selection process in the hands of the Movement. MODA said it then facilitated the exercise with the stated aim of ensuring the five beneficiaries were chosen through a transparent and competitive process.
The Movement added that it was “even more excited” that all five selected individuals turned out to be supporters of the Unity Party, even though party affiliation was not a requirement for applying.
The five young people are expected to begin their excavator training at For Life Zoe in the coming days. MODA said it regards the initiative “strictly” as an opportunity for young Liberians to acquire practical skills that can improve their employment prospects and economic participation.
It noted that the Ministry of Agriculture has itself publicly emphasized youth empowerment, agricultural mechanization and practical skills development as part of its broader agenda.
MODA Dismisses New Party Speculation
The Movement also responded to commentary suggesting that the Minister’s support for the training slots through MODA means he has established a political party to challenge President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s potential bid for a second term.
MODA dismissed the suggestion in strong terms, describing it as “blatant mendacity coming from the mouth of back-door politicians who are afraid of youth progression.”
The Movement called on individuals, commentators, political actors and media practitioners to distinguish between a development initiative and political affiliation.
“A public official providing opportunities for young people does not, by itself, establish membership in MODA or demonstrate an intention to form or lead a political party,” the statement said.
MODA further stated that Minister Nuetah’s political affiliation and future decisions are matters that should be addressed through his own public statements and actions, not attributed to the Movement.
“For the avoidance of doubt, MODA does not claim Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah as a member of the Movement, and the Movement has no authority to speak on his behalf regarding his political affiliation or future political plans,” the statement said. It added that the group has known the Minister only as a people-centered leader, not through “the opinions of agent provocateurs.”
Outlining its position, MODA said the country’s political and development environment should allow people and institutions to cooperate on matters of national and community interest without every act of cooperation being treated as partisan politics. It encouraged public discussion to remain grounded in facts, particularly where individuals, political organizations, public officials and opportunities for young people are concerned.
The Movement also urged everyone discussing the excavator-training initiative to respect the integrity of the 252 applicants and the five young people chosen. “Their opportunity should not be reduced to political speculation,” the statement said.
MODA reaffirmed its commitment to its stated principles and to engaging anyone prepared to support initiatives that advance the interests of the Liberian people, noting again that such engagement does not automatically create political membership or affiliation.
It pledged to continue supporting efforts that expand opportunities for young Liberians, promote skills development, encourage transparency and contribute to national development.
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